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Women on the slopes

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In addition to Vail’s annual ski goddess (Skadi Vail) event, many Colorado ski areas offer ways for women on the slopes to improve their confidence, skills, or connection with other snow lovers.  Women-specific clinics, lessons and events abound for female skiers and riders.  Whether a guest is new to the sport, an advanced veteran or looking to enjoy a different kind of learning environment, Colorado ski areas have something for everyone. Participating women will enjoy networking with fellow active skiing and snowboarding women, learning new skills from leading professional female instructors, and enjoying women-centered experiences.

Below are women’s clinics available to female skiers and riders in Colorado.  Some recur every week; others are special multi-day events.

Weekly Clinics

Arapahoe Basin – Legendary Ladies Clinic

First on the list, Arapahoe Basin’s women’s clinic group meets on Wednesday mornings for sliding on snow and exploring A-Basin’s terrain in a fun, non-intimidating environment. Each session is led by specialized women’s coaches, and both skiers and snowboarders are welcome. Small class sizes allow for individualized attention; all Legendary Ladies classes max out at six students per instructor.

Copper Mountain – Women’s Wednesdays

Copper’s Women’s Wednesdays offers the opportunity for women to build new relationships, improve their skills and set goals to conquer. Talented female instructors work with each guest in this fun, easy-learning environment.

Crested Butte – Women’s Tips on Tuesdays

Crested Butter recently hosted the Elan Big Mountain Women’s Weekend for women on the slopes who are intermediate level and above.   On Tuesdays, the resort offers half-day women’s-specific ski school session is led by CBMR’s top female professionals, and concludes with a glass of wine at the resort’s new on-mountain Umbrella Bar. The Women’s Tips on Tuesdays clinic is available to female skiers levels 3-7 and is ideal for ladies looking for a guided group session with instruction and an informal, fun vibe.

Loveland – Women’s Only Clinics

These midweek clinics offer intermediate to expert women on the slopes a great opportunity to ski or snowboard with other women in an engaging environment, taught by Loveland’s top expert female instructors.

Monarch – Women’s Wednesdays

New for the 2017-18 season, Monarch will be hosting a Women’s Wednesday Social Club. Every Wednesday, women will meet in the base lodge for a fun day of specialized tips, demo skis/boards, fashion shows, coffee, lunch, fun runs and more.

Multi-Day Events

Whether because they’re concerned about the low numbers of women on the slopes compared to men, or because they want to offer women fun alternatives for multi-day adventures, several resorts also offer getaways combining instruction, connection and fun.

Aspen Snowmass – Women’s Edge Program

First, Aspen offers a  four day Women’s Edge Program for women on the slopes, led by Aspen’s top female instructors.  This clinic has been running for more than 30 years. Participants can range from intermediate to advanced, and the group can ski at any of Aspen Snowmass’s four mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. The final day includes an après party for participants.

 

 

Eldora – Women’s Days Multi-Week Program

Next, The Eldora Women’s Days Program helps women improve their skills.  Snowbunnies can share their passion for winter sports with other women on the slopes. Designed for women, guests choose from either the Alpine or Nordic programs. Women’s Days include a tasty continental breakfast and gourmet lunch prepared daily. Participants enjoy four-hour guided experiences with Eldora’s top instructors.

 

 

Powderhorn – Ski Like a Girl

The “Ski Like a Girl” program is designed to build female participants’ confidence everywhere from the bumps to the groomers. Guests can learn from Powderhorn’s top female instructors, meet new friends and explore a variety of terrain in a fun and non-competitive environment.

Silverton – Big Mountain Betty Fest (February 10-12)

Silverton’s Big Mountain Betty Fest is an all-women heli-skiing weekend in the San Juan Mountains. The inaugural event will include expert-only skiing and riding on steep terrain, apres ski parties, giveaways and more.

Sister’s Meeting the Mountains (April 6-8)

The Annual Silverton Sisters’ Meeting in the Mountains is a weekend packed with phenomenal expert-only skiing, networking, inspiration and education. Guests can participate in educational and inspirational presentations from the most respected women in the industry.

Steamboat – Women’s Ski Camp

Two of Steamboat’s Olympians, Deb Armstrong and Ann Battelle, host Steamboat’s Women’s Ski Camps with certified, experienced female coaches. Emphasis is on camaraderie, fun and skill improvement. Steamboat pros create a positive atmosphere that maximizes learning during the three-day clinics.

Telluride – Women’s Ski & Wellness Week

The Telluride Women’s Ski & Wellness Week was started by Annie Varielle-Savath in 1981, and will celebrate the 36th anniversary in 2018. It is the ultimate ski and yoga retreat. Attendees enjoy a week full of yoga, meditation, wellness speakers and après fun with expert ski instruction, no matter their level of expertise.

SheRide Snowboard Camp

The SheRide Women’s Snowboard Camp provides lessons to all levels of snowboarders, from never-ever riders to advanced double-black riders. The SheRide coaching team is a professionally certified, all-women team who understand the biodynamics of the body and the power of the mind when snowboarding.

Winter Park – Women’s Ski Camps

Finally, Winter Park Resort offers Women’s Ski Camps for women to fully immerse themselves in the experience of skiing. Camps are coached by specially trained women instructors and provide a laid-back, supportive environment. The camps offer first tracks access and après ski experiences.

 

The post Women on the slopes appeared first on Snowgrrl.


Outdoor Retailer/ Snow Show 2018 Roundup

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Once a year, insiders converge on the Colorado Convention Center to see what’s new and different in apparel, equipment, and technology relating to the snow sports industry.  This year, the Outdoor Retailer winter trade show, historically held in Park City, combined with SIA’s SnowShow.  The result created the 2018 SnowShow, the largest winter-sports oriented trade show to ever hit downtown Denver.   The 2018 SnowShow featured over 1000 brands, 11,000 retail buyers, and thousands of individuals representing media and non-profit organizations.  The Denver economy benefited greatly from the 2018 SnowShow.  The show brought an estimated impact of millions of dollars of spending on Denver hotel, restaurant, and entertainment providers.

Kindness

Not only did the 2018 SnowShow fill the Denver convention center with attendees and boost the economy, it also showcased some cool products and services.  I learned about several companies who incorporate kindness and ecological awareness into their products and practices.  For instance, Allied Feather & Down, a supplier of down feathers used in products like this Helly Hansen down jacket, uses a new scanner technology to allow its clients to more easily track responsibly sourced materials through the supply chain.   Adidas’ Parley line features fabrics made of recycled nylon collected from the plastic found in the ocean.  I was introduced to Aventura, which uses lower impact or sustainable materials in 75% of their apparel line.  I love how these companies make an effort to protect the environment.

foam snowshoes!

Lightweight Crescent Moon snowshoes


Look cool/stay warm

base layer wool ski tops

Cute “Apres, anyone?” ski tops from Krimson Klover

While enjoying and protecting our natural environment, we should of course have fun, look great, and stay warm!  Some fun items that stood out at the 2018 SnowShow included the brightly colored and super-affordable Dare2B line; Nils’ sleek and sophisticated looks; the happy bright colors from Kari Traa; and the comfy, affordable Avalanche Outdoors linehinting at their New England heritage.  Other highlights included an innovative base layer from Brynje (think Madonna meets Norwegian fisherman); fun skier-print sweaters and a tote bag from Krimson Klover; super-lightweight snowshoes from Crescent Moon; fun socks from Feetures; and an innovative boot (or pizza/or glove) warming bag from Sportube.

 

In short, the 2018 SnowShow was busy, fun, and featured a lot of interesting products and services.  Look for reviews of several of these items in upcoming posts!

 

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7 types of guys you’ll date in a ski town in your 30s or older

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Editor’s Note:  Author Stacy Gold is back with tips on dating in a ski town…  this month,  discussing a slightly older demographic!

Dating in a ski town presents certain unique challenges.  Whether you live in a ski town or not, life changes as you get older. Injuries happen, interests shift, business are started.  Even most ski bums grow willing to take on a little more responsibility as they head into their thirties.  Working three low-level jobs gets tough to stomach after a few years, even if the mountain still calls.  Working so much, for so little pay, gets tiresome no matter how much you’re skiing.

After juggling days on the hill with nights playing bartender, or whatever other gig they’ve found, some dedicated ski bums give up the dream.  These men move away from a ski town to “get a real job”.  Those who stay typically find a better way to fund their dream life.  Men who have remained in a ski town in their thirties are likely to start thinking about the future, instead of just the powder turns they’ll make that day.  Dating in a ski town may be part of the way these men begin to construct a firm vision for their futures.

The transformation from ski bum to thoughtful planner is good news if you’re a single woman who loves to ski and lives (or wants to live) in a resort town.  Exceptions to the rules always exist.  But, if you’re in your thirties, chances are that dating in a ski town will involve guys who fall into one of the following categories…

Seven types of ski-town guys aged 30+:

1.  The dirtbag

He’s been a parking lot attendant/dishwasher/liftie for years for the free season pass and time to ski every day. There’s nothing wrong with that. Just know he prioritizes skiing first and foremost. If you’re okay with being second in his life, or want something casual, go for it.

2. The trust funder

Here’s a guy who can afford ski town life without working three jobs. He can be a ton of fun, but with inherited wealth often comes extra baggage. Just sayin’.

3.  The wealthy bored gentleman

See that man driving the high-end sportscar (or SUV), alone? The one who’s always at the nicest bar in town, alone? Maybe you could provide some excitement in his life while he wines and dines you. He might or might not join you skiing every day, so dating him depends on how important that is to you.

4.  The entrepreneur

The great thing about ski town entrepreneurs is they’re not afraid to close shop for a powder day. So if you’re looking for a man who happily takes on responsibility but still knows how to have fun, this guy can be a great choice.

5.  The remote worker

Here’s a guy who’s figured out how to have a “real job” and live in a ski town. He’s probably got his priorities right.  He balances real world work with days (most likely, partial days) on the hill.

6.  The gold digger

Yes, there really are men looking for a wealthy woman to be their sugar mama.  See that devastatingly handsome man sipping a water at the bar, who claims (with a sexy foreign accent) to have forgotten his wallet?  Watch out.  Thankfully, they are few and far between.

7.  The ski bum with a real job

In a small resort towns good jobs are scarce. Those who land them are often smart, fun, and hard-working. If you and your lifestyles mesh, he could be a great life and adventure partner.

About the Author

Stacy Gold is an avid telemark skier who spent the better part of her twenties ski-bumming in Breckenridge, Whitefish, and Jackson Hole. She’s owned 23 season passes, still skis 40 days a year, and insisted her husband learn to ski as a condition of marriage. In 2014, Stacy gave up her day job as Communications Director of a nonprofit mountain biking organization to write sassy, steamy, contemporary romance novels.

Stacy’s stories showcase strong, independent women finding love and adventure in the great outdoors. In Deep, the second novella in her steamy Emerald Mountain ski series debuted January 31, 2018.

The post 7 types of guys you’ll date in a ski town in your 30s or older appeared first on Snowgrrl.

Brynje Lady Top review

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Consistent with all snowgrrl reviews of products tested, this Brynje Lady Top review states my honest opinion about this product received at no charge from Brynje of Norway.

Image provided by Bryjne

Brynje Lady Top in Black with mesh sleeves and modesty panel

How Brynje describes the Lady Top

  • Thermo Wool Mesh
  • Perfect for any sport year round
  • Mesh allows air flow to be trapped
  • Keeps you warm while minimizing dampness and overheating
  • Made of Merino wool and strengthened with synthetic fibers

Initial reaction

Violet ski base layer with black mesh sleeves

Brynje Lady top in Violet

I received an email before the SnowShow/Outdoor Retailer describing some new products, including the Brynje Lady Top.   The black mesh sleeves and brightly colored front panel combine the styles of Madonna and a Norwegian fisherman, so I was intrigued. The Brynje rep at the SnowShow talked on and on about how the mesh creates heat pockets. I left skeptical, but intrigued. I knew I had to do a Brynje Lady Top review. It sounded a little too good to be true.

Where was it tested?

I conducted the Brynje Lady Top review over three different days. First, I wore it alone under a NILS jacket during the SnowShow demo days at Copper Mountain in January, when the temperature was around 30 degrees Farenheit. Next, I wore it beneath a SmartWool base layer and a warm NILS jacket on a frigid February day at Vail, with temps between zero and eight degrees. Then, I wore it the next day at Vail, under a Kari Traa wool half-zip and a lighter weight NILS jacket on a thirtyish degree day.

Mesh base layer for skiing

Wearing the Brynje Lady top in Vail, Colorado

How did it perform?

The Bryne Lady Top was very comfortable. The front panel makes it modest enough so that you do not feel like you are revealing every bit of skin as soon as you unzip your jacket. Wearing it alone under a jacket at Copper Mountain, I felt warm and not overheated on the mountain. However, when I took my jacket off for the après-ski party in the lodge, I felt a little chilly. Someone remarked that it was because I was “only wearing half a shirt.” I replied with some vague mumbling about heat pockets, but then I remembered the Brynje rep talking about how the “second layer does the wicking.” In email correspondence, it was confirmed that you always need a second layer on top of the mesh to trap air if you want to be warm. That made sense to me, though it also makes this top slightly less practical. If you’re heading to the mountains for a few days, you’ll always need to pack this top plus something else. Then again, the top doesn’t take up much room.

I was thrilled that the top kept me toasty warm when I wore it as recommended, underneath a second layer, on the second and third days I tried the top. Even on an extremely chilly day, I did not feel cold, nor did I notice any uncomfortable moisture trapped on my skin when I worked so hard to keep up with my friends in the back bowls. I really only intended to test it twice for this review, but it was so comfortable that I wore it two days in a row. As a tall woman, I appreciated the longer length of the top and sleeves. I guess Norwegians come a little larger than Americans!

Room for Improvement?

While the Brynje Lady Top review showed it to be a very comfortable and practical top, I wonder if the company could make the mesh knit a little tighter. I am in decent shape, but when I wore the top on its own at the SnowShow après ski party, some lustful looks made me uncomfortable. Some people assumed that I wore a mesh-backed top for sex appeal rather than practicality. A tighter knit might make the top look slightly more conservative and less racy. But would it still wick moisture and trap heat that way?

Recommendations?

I recommend the Brynje Lady Top.  The top kept my body temperature regulated.  Together with another layer, it can be a really versatile and comfortable for days on the mountain.

The post Brynje Lady Top review appeared first on Snowgrrl.

Parakito mosquito repellent

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The Parakito mosquito repellent wristband was one of the first products ever reviewed by snowgrrl.  At this year’s SnowShow, I reconnected with the brand.  I discovered their awesome new line of “party” Parakito mosquito repellent products!

Parakito offers a natural solution to a big problem.  As discussed previously, a hike in a swampy/buggy place normally yields at least a half dozen mosquito bites, because this snowgrrl is both sweet and scared of chemicals like DEET.  The new “party” line of wristbands adds a little pep to basic primary-colored wristbands.  Happily, with the help of the Parakito mosquito repellent band, bug bites may become a thing of the past!  Here I describe the product, testing, and result.

The product

The wristband contains a replaceable pellet that’s described as “a blend of essential oils with patented slow-release technology.”  To me, it smelled like a citronella candle, and I put it on my wrist next to my cool Base Project bracelet and forgot about it.   According to Parakito, release of the natural oils’ active ingredients into the air around the wearer masks the scents of human breath and bodies, making it harder for mosquitoes to find you.  Parakito describes the Parakito mosquito repellent as:

  • containing natural active ingredients and essential oil diffusion;
  • light weight;
  • adjustable;
  • appropriate for all climate zones; and
  • waterproof
Lake near Boulder

Walden Pond

The test and result

Parakito’s claims about the Parakito mosquito repellent band sounded good to me, so I was excited to test it out.  I wore the Parakito wrist band during a 1.5 hour hike around Walden Pond (which has been transformed from a gravel pit into a “flourishing wetland habitat” and was full of bird watchers on the day we went) near Boulder.  Though the day was hot, muggy, and full of bugs flying around,  neither my dog nor I felt any big bites after, despite the fact that insects were visible all around the lake.  Having a natural solution to a “pesky” problem makes this snowgrrl happy!

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Avalanche tops review

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Consistent with all snowgrrl reviews of products tested, this review states my honest opinion about Avalanche tops received at no charge from Avalanche Apparel.

Avalanche Apparel is a family-owned and operated outdoor apparel company that has been around since 1987.   The company aims to design and manufacture high quality yet affordable outerwear and activewear.  My testing over several months of multiple items shows that the company has met this goal with respect to most of the Avalanche tops I tried.

Items Tested

  • Chalet full zip sweatshirt
  • Mt. Blanca base layer crew and half zip
  • Mogul legging
  • Solare short sleeve top
  • My friends tested the Pavement Quilted Hoody and Twist pullover
  • And my dog tested the Doggie rain coat

This review focuses on the sweatshirts and hoodies.

Initial reaction

I opened the large box from Avalanche with great anticipation. Soft and cozy looking clothes peered out, including the butter-soft base layers, leggings, and sweatshirts.  The clothes all appeared to be of good quality and reasonably stylish.  The look and feel of the clothes seemed to be a great fit for the laid-back lifestyle in Denver and the Colorado mountain towns where I spend most of my time.  I ensconced myself in the softness of the Chalet full zip sweatshirt right away, and barely wanted to take it off.  Instead, I wore it several days in a row until it was finally time to throw it in the wash.

Where was it tested?

My friends and I wore the Avalanche tops over several months in Denver and mountain resort towns.  Temperatures ranged from the 30s to the high 50s during our unusually warm winter.

How did it perform?

Sweatshirts/hoodies:

  • Chalet full zip sweatshirt

    Checking out the Avalanche apparel on top of the Halycon hotel in Denver

  • Pavement Quilted Hoody
  • Twist pullover

The Avalanche tops get five stars from me and my testers.  The Chalet full zip was comfy, cozy and flattering.  It stood up to several washes with not even a loose thread.  Similarly, the Pavement Quilted Hoody quickly became my friend Angela’s favorite top ever.  I think I saw her wear it for a week straight . . . she finally had to take it off when she spilled mustard on it.  The Twist pullover got a rave review from my sister, who enjoyed looking stylish during her very limited downtime.  She loves the super soft fabric and longer length of the top.

Room for Improvement?

The Chalet full zip sweatshirt, while comfy and roomy, could have curved seams to make it a little more flattering on the body.  Otherwise, we do not have any suggestions for ways to improve the Avalanche tops.

Recommendations?

The Avalanches sweatshirt, hoody and pullover are all highly recommended.  Stay tuned for review of the other Avalanche items in a future post!

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Mountaintop yoga in Vail

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Mountaintop yoga in Vail offers the opportunity to do Tree Pose in the trees, and Mountain Pose in the mountains.  Therefore, when I read about Vail Mountain and Supergoop offering mountain top yoga this summer, I knew I had to check it out.  Vail actually offers a ton of activities in the summer, from zip lining to rafting and everything in between.  I love summer in the mountains as much as, if not more than the winter . . . we don’t need to bundle up as much, and still enjoy incredible scenery!

Because I went on an intense hike to Booth Falls the day before, mountaintop yoga in Vail seemed like the perfect opportunity to drink in some more amazing views and relax and stretch my body.

Therefore, I attended the inaugural mountaintop yoga in Vail session on Friday, June 29th.  I really enjoyed looking at the Gore Range while breathing deeply, doing stretchy bendy poses, especially after the prior day’s hike. This cool yoga experience continues Fridays & Saturdays mornings through September 1st at 10:00 am at the deck of the Tenth, top of Gondola One.  Because research shows that with every 3,000 feet you climb in altitude, UV levels can increase by 10-12%…and since these classes are above 10,000 feet, our friends at Supergoop! got us covered by providing everyone’s favorite SPF and complimentary mats.  Most importantly, mountaintop yoga offers a restorative, unique experience in one of Colorado’s most scenic spots.

The Details

Fridays & Saturdays / June 29 – Sept. 1

Top of Gondola One

Yoga mats will be available to borrow on a first come basis.

  • 9:30am: Load Gondola One
  • 10:00am: Yoga class promptly begins

Purchase tickets on-site

  • $10 for Yoga (with 2018-19 Epic Pass or valid Scenic Gondola ticket)
  • $40 for Yoga 5-class pass (with 2018-19 Epic Pass)
  • $40 Scenic Gondola Ride & Yoga

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Sweet snacks for the slopes or trail

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The Outdoor Retailer summer market showcased many tasty tidbits!  We loved so many sweet snacks at the summer show.  Happily, the trend towards real food and thoughtfulness about our planet has resulted in some delicious creations!

Among our favorite snacks:

Four Points bars, created by two Colorado brothers who were motivated to great a delicious nutritious energy bar with an optimal glycemic load after both their father and grandmother were diagnosed with diabetes.  Their creation results in a slower-burning,  sustained energy, and contains only real natural food.  Here at snowgrrl, we believe they achieved their goal of making something delicious and nutritious!  I had a hard time tearing myself away from the samples of the Trailhead Gingerbread and Colorado Trail flavors.

Gorilly Goods, delicious tidbits containing raw, organic vegan, gluten free ingredients.  Gorilly promises carefully sourced, cleanly grown, fairly traded, sustainable and nutrient-rich ingredients.  We also love that 2 cents from every box sold is donated to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund® .

Good & Ugly healthy snacks

Good & Ugly, “unsightly snacks for sharing,” that are non-GMO, kosher, gluten free, no-added sugar irregularly shaped bite-sized brown things (ugly) made of nuts, dried fruits and spices, providing a good dose of fiber, protein, vitamins and Omega 3 fatty acids (good!) We love that the bags contain individual portions so you don’t need to put your sticky, dirty fingers all over a bar to break off a piece to share with a friend.

Kate’s Real Food bars, dreamed up by a skiier seeking a healthy, organic and great-tasting energy bar. They’re also kosher, gluten free, non GMO, and basically delicious. We love the Dark Chocolate & Cherry Almond!

Shar’s vegan trail mix, carefully curated “next-level trail mix” in cool bags that come with a carabiner supporting the Conservation Alliance.  We love that Shar gives 20% of net profits back to the planet, through continuous support of the Conservation Alliance helping preserve and protect the outdoors.   Great act of kindness, Shar!

 

 

 

 

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MyTrail jacket review – tested in Alaska!

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Mountain tested:  MyTrail Women’s 850 Fill HL Hooded Down Jacket

I’m always excited to try products emerging from Colorado companies, especially those who take pride in ethical sourcing.  So, when offered the chance to do a MyTrail jacket review, I jumped at it.  My Trail acquired the designs of GoLite in 2015 to become a leader in lightweight outdoor apparel and equipment.  The company is based in the mecca of outdoor recreation: Boulder, Colorado.  My Trail aims to bring back improved versions of the GoLite products, then innovate from there.

The MyTrail jacket review and test was conducted in the cool and varied landscape of Juneau, Alaska.

Initial reaction

MyTrail runs a small retail store on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder.  I enjoyed an afternoon in early May wandering around the pedestrian mall.  The MyTrail store features an array of brightly colored, technical-looking clothing, including tops, shorts, and jackets in primary colors that caught my eye as I walked into the store.  The prices seemed quite reasonable – most of last season’s merchandise was marked way, way down.  I left the store with a jacket to review and many new items on my wish list for the future.  The down jacket I chose is extremely light, weighing far less than heavier down jackets I’m used to.  I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical about how warm it would actually keep me.

Exploring Mendenhall Glacier

Summer in Alaska

Where was it tested?

Having acquired the jacket in early summer, I was a bit concerned that I might not have an opportunity to test it in appropriate weather for quite a while.  Then again, I remember snow in Denver one Memorial Day.   It didn’t snow in the weeks or months immediately after I obtained the jacket, but I finally had the chance to try it out during a cruise to Alaska in July.  Much to the amazement of my friends, I fit all of my belongings for a week into a carry-on bag, thanks in part to this jacket, which scrunches up into a little ball for packing.

The middle of our journey took us to Juneau, Alaska.  When I woke up at 5:30 a.m. (the sun rises very early in Alaska in the summertime; I’m sensitive to light, and the blackout curtains on the cruise ship cabin still let in a tiny sliver of light),  I went out on the veranda to see the most spectacular landscape.  We were cruising inside Tracy Fjord, where we saw Mendenhall Glacier “calving,” or breaking apart.  The day was cold and windy, especially on the top deck of the ship, so I figured it was a perfect day to do my MyTrail jacket review and see if a lightweight jacket could really keep me warm.  After lunch, we docked in the town of Juneau.  We spent a few windy hours walking around the downtown area, then took a helicopter to Mendenhall Glacier in the afternoon.

Technical Specifications

  • Windproof Outer Shell: 20-Denier ripstop nylon with DWR (durable water repellent) finish
  • Fill weight: 125 g
  • Weight: 9.5 oz
  • Lining: Polyester
  • Full length front zipper with internal storm flap to prevent drafts
  • External zipper garage to protect skin
  • Insulation: 850-fill-power ethically sourced down – materials that abide by the Responsible Down Standards (RDS) which I learned about at the 2018 SnowShow
  • Elastic cord hem adjustment
  • Elastic cuffs
  • Zippered microfleece lined hand warmer pockets
  • Reflective logo for safety

How did it perform?

The MyTrail jacket kept me toasty warm in the city of Juneau as well as on Mendenhall Glacier.  I noticed that our helicopter pilot and guides wore shells, so I was a little worried that my super light down jacket might now be hardy enough to withstand the strong wind up on the glacier.   Happily, when I put the hood up and zipped up my jacket, I was insulated against the elements.  The wind still whipped at my face, but my upper body stayed warm.  The lightweight jacket really did its job!

Room for Improvement?

As with all down jackets, I noticed a few feathers trying to poke their way through the nylon fabric of this jacket.  If any new technology makes the nylon totally immune to such occurrences, MyTrail should incorporate it.  Otherwise, I wouldn’t change a thing about this jacket, and I’ll likely pack it on future trips to cool climates.

Consistent with all snowgrrl reviews of products tested, this review states my honest opinion about the MyTrail jacket received at no charge from the company.

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AfterShokz open-ear headphones

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Headphones that go outside of your ear but still deliver premium stereo sound?  The folks behind AfterShokz open-ear headphones promised that and more.  Always the skeptic, I wondered how on earth that could be possible.  Alas, I tested the AfterShokz open-ear headphones at the gym, on a run in my neighborhood, and while walking my dog down a busy urban street.  Now I can attest that they are indeed a pretty cool invention that works.

Initial reaction

Open-ear headphones from AfterShokz

The AfterShokz open-ear headphones arrived in a lightweight, small rubberized carrying case.  Could such a cute little case really contain bone conduction headphones that would help me “prioritize situational awareness and comfort through its unique open-ear design”?  I wondered.   Eagerly, I charged the headphones up with the included charging cable and got set to try them out the next day.  I couldn’t wait to see if the lightness and comfort matched the brand’s claims.

Where was it tested?

Once the headphones charged up fully, I took them on a spin to the gym.  I’ve become a little addicted to the Peloton spin classes.  Fortunately, my teeny gym features a single Peloton bike and it’s usually available when I want to ride.  A little problem with my corded headphones holds me back (literally) when I ride the Peloton.  The cord is long enough that I can sit back on the bike and plug into the machine, but sometimes I need to lean forward when I’d really rather lean back.  So I figured listening to the class with these wireless headphones and be a little more comfortable.

Voila, they worked!  The sound quality surprised me.  I was so absorbed in the class, or the sound quality was so good, that I was apparently oblivious to the horrible rap music another member was blasting.  Note that the AfterShokz open-ear headphones do not claim to be noise-blocking.  However, the music seemed like it was right inside my head.  After I removed the headphones, I noticed the rap music and the member apologized and offered to turn it down.

Technical specifications

The AfterShokz Trekz Air open-ear headphones use bone conduction technology to transmit audio waves to the inner ears through the skull, bypassing the eardrums completely.  You place the headphones on your cheekbones, just in front of your ears. This leaves your ear canals open, allowing you to remain alert and aware of ambient sounds, teammates, coaches, training partners and more while you enjoy your music. Bluetooth® connectivity gives you the ability to be free of wires and make and receive phone calls.
Other features include a nanotechnology coating and watertight rubber gaskets to repel sweat and moisture from the inside out.  Also, something called LeakSlayer releases sound generated by the transducers in order to cancel sound generated by the housing, significantly reducing leakage, even when compared to traditional headphones and earbuds.

How did the headphones perform?

In short: they were awesome.  The three buttons near the right ear piece are easy to use (volume up/down and an on/off button) and intuitive.  This is not a complicated device that takes much time to learn.  Not only did they perform well at the gym, allowing me to hear an on-demand spin class clearly despite ambient noise around me, but they also performed well in other situations.  Running along a fairly quiet residential street, I appreciated the great sound quality and the freedom wireless earphones provide.  Walking my dog in the heart of the city, I was able to carry on a conversation with my mom, who remarked that she could even hear me better via my new device than talking into my cell phone like I regularly do!

Room for improvement

Curly hair workaround

I love these headphones and feel really lucky to have been selected to try them out!  The only thing I would change, perhaps for a future version, is to make them a little more friendly for those of us with thick hair.  It was not a big deal to pull my hair back and put the headphones around my neck.  But, if I could also put them on the outside of my hair, I would be a happy camper.

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Back to school, back to the slopes (almost)

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Every fall around Labor Day, the kids are back to school, and it’s time to think about getting back to the slopes!  Our minds may still be set on squeezing the most out of the last days of summer.  But now is the best time to acquire deals on last year’s apparel or hard goods, as well as a season pass or 4-pack, if you haven’t already done so in the spring.  Loveland’s online and fall sales events kick off this Friday, August 24 with the best prices on 4-Paks, season passes, and all other products for the 2018/19 season.  Loveland ski area now boasts the beginning of Chet’s Dream, a new high speed quad.

Of course, online passes are easy to get, but lack that frenzied feeling of grabbing great deals amongst a crowd.  Natives may remember camping out on the sidewalks along Broadway, jostling for the best bargains on ski and snowboard gear, winter apparel and accessories at SNIAGRAB (bargains spelled backwards). The Gart family created the dean of Labor Day ski sales in 1954, when, the story goes, Jerry Gart and a fellow ski retailer wrote the word “bargains” on a napkin and then flipped it over.  Alas, Gart Brothers is long gone.  There is no more Sportscastle. There is no more Sports Authority.

However, several other options for ski passes and apparel deals exist.  Any die-hard Vail fans will equip themselves with an Epic Pass (starting at $439 for 4 days and going up to $899 for unrestricted access to most resorts and 7 days at Telluride); more frugal or adventurous types may pick up Copper ($189) or Loveland  ($169 minus a $10 discount if you get it in person during the fall sale) 4-paks, or check out the Mountain Collective ($449).

Denver-area events and sales:

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Espro Ultralight Travel Coffee Press Review

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Editor’s note:  this Espro Ultralight travel coffee press review is compliments of Dan Zeppelin, who works as a dentist during the day and explores Colorado by foot, bike and ski when not working.

It’s amazing the feelings a great cup of coffee can stir up when enjoyed in a beautiful setting.   The Espro Ultralight travel coffee press brought the taste and aroma of great quality coffee to some remote spots many miles away from the nearest barista.

Initial reaction & testing location

Espro ultralight tested on a long ride

Normally when heading off on an adventure, my caffeine fix is relegated to impatiently waiting at the drive-through window of a soulless corporate coffee chain, choking down a dreaded cup of stale gas station coffee, or boiling up water on the camp stove to be mixed with instant coffee powder.   These options deliver the caffeine fix I may be looking for, but they never bring up the feelings I get from a truly great cup of coffee. The Espro Ultralight Travel Coffee Press and travel mug changed all that.  This travel coffee press allowed me to enjoy great tasting fresh coffee while hiking to view Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, on a gravel/ single track bike adventure, and while fly fishing the Gold Medal Trout waters of Colorado’s Blue River. In addition, it has become my go to coffee cup for my daily work commute.

Technical specifications

  • Espro touts the Ultralight as “the lightest double wall stainless insulated hydration bottle in the world.” The Ultralight weighs 210g; almost 10% lighter than the competition.
  • It’s the lightest double wall stainless vacuum-insulated coffee or tea brewer ever made. Keeps beverage hot for hours or cool for hours.
  •  The Ultralight travel coffee press makes barista quality coffee anytime, anywhere. It incorporates a double filtration system.
  • Holds 16 oz as a travel mug
  • Filters are BPA, BPS and phthalate free
  • Stainless steel container, double-walled, vacuum-insulated

How did the travel coffee press perform?

Espro Travel Press, disassembled

The Espro Ultralight Travel mug and Hydration bottle is the right size to be slipped into the water bottle sleeve of any backpack. The press size fits securely into a standard bicycle water bottle cage. The leak proof lid securely seals the bottle.  A strong loop-shaped handle integrated in the lid nicely held a carabineer for hooking the bottle onto a waist pack gear loop for quick access.

The travel coffee press holds an internal volume of 16 ounces.  This size provided the amount of coffee I would generally look for if ordering from a café (comparable to a ‘Grande’ cup at your local chain). A bigger item would be cumbersome to carry along for a hike or ride. Smaller would leave you yearning for a few more sips than it could deliver. The item’s name showcases the other great feature of this size. Espro brands this as the ‘Ultralight’. With a reported weight of only 210 grams I did not hesitate to slide it into my backpack or bottle cage. I have been hesitant in the past to bring along other insulated bottles on previous adventures due their weight.

The dilemma used to be choosing between a heavy insulated thermos and cold coffee. The Ultralight provided a double walled insulated bottle with a minimal weight penalty as compared to a non-insulated water bottle. The double walled insulation kept drinks hot or cold until they were ready to be enjoyed at a scenic rest spot along the trail. The packaging stated you could keep drinks hot or cold for up to 8 hours.   I drank my hot beverages long before this, but they did prove to still be piping hot 2+ hours into a cool morning ride.

Using the Press

The French Press system was easy & reliable to operate with just a few simple steps

  • Place 3-4 Tablespoons of your favorite coarse ground coffee into the bottle
  • Pour in hot water & stir
  • Slide in the filter and drinking lid
  • Wait 4 minutes
  • Slowly press down the filter
  • Seal with the leak proof lid until your are ready to enjoy

The Espro Ultralight has a patented double filter system with extra fine screening to keep grit out of you drink. This system seemed to work well and I never felt like I was chewing through grounds or wiping them off me teeth after drinking. The double filter system is also designed to be used with loose-leaf tea, or with a paper filter for those that prefer a pour over style of coffee. Once you press down the plunger, extraction stops, which keeps flavors ideal even if the coffee or tea is enjoyed several hours after being made.

Cleanup was as easy as pouring out the grounds, rinsing out the smooth interior walls of the container, and spraying off the separated double filter mechanisms. If used on a camping trip away from running water one could easily clean the filters by submerging in just a few ounces of water.

In addition, it helps the environment by keeping disposable cups out of our landfills. With a retail price of $39.95 it will pay for itself quickly by avoiding expensive and time wasting trips to your local coffee drive through. I think you will find it a great addition to your list of go to gear for your next adventure.

Room for improvement

As someone that enjoys a great cup of coffee, but hadn’t had much experience with a French Press I was concerned with not knowing how to use the system properly. It proved easy once I found the instructions  integrated into the packaging. Finding the easy to follow instructions was the only bump in an otherwise great experience. This delay was more due to my haste in opening the packaging.

The Espro Ultralight travel coffee press comes packaged with a nice looking marketing sleeve wrapped around its mid-section. Excited to try out my new toy that had arrived in the mail, I quickly pulled off the sleeve and set it aside. The easy to read and follow instructions were printed on the inside of this sleeve. After a few moments of confusion I went back to the original packaging sleeve and found the detailed instructions. The instructions said to fill the ‘MAX’ line. I did find it difficult to see where this line was unless the lighting was perfect. Perhaps future versions can have this line scored into the lining a bit deeper. Espro’s website has great how-to videos on use of the mug, but I would have appreciated an easier to find copy of the printed instructions.

The Espro Ultralight comes in four different exterior finish colors (Black, Grey, Chalk White, & Stainless). The cup I demoed was chalk white. My only gripe (and it’s stretch to call this a gripe): the chalk white finish attracted dirt and scratched up easily.  Users planning on using the cup in muddy or gritty environments should opt for the stainless finish.  Painted finishes should be plenty durable for the typical/indoor use.

 

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Socks for a cause

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We love our socks!  They keep us warm in winter and cute patterns can add fun to cold days.  We also love kindness!  Now Bombas has figured out a way to combine two things we love.  Bombas, an innovative, comfort-focused sock brand also gives back to the community.  Bombas donates a pair of socks to homeless shelters for every pair sold.   Bombas founders David Heath and Randy Goldberg discovered that socks are the most requested item at homeless shelters. Feeling compelled to do something about it, the leaders championed a give-back business model.  To date, Bombas has donated over 9 million pairs of socks to people in need.  Bombas arranges donations through 1,200 non-profit partners across all 50 states.

Based in New York, Bombas has invested heavily in research and development.  The company aims to produce innovative fabrics for its supremely comfortable socks for men, women and children.  Bombas recently decided to search for a product lifecycle management solution.  They interviewed several vendors before settling on Centric Software’s cloud-based, SaaS solution, Centric SMB.  Each Bombas sock is constructed using the company’s proprietary Sock Tech.   Sock Tech contains substantial improvements to the comfort, performance and design of the traditional sock.

“We are very happy to announce that Bombas has selected Centric as their PLM partner,” says Chris Groves, President and CEO of Centric Software.  He notes that Bobas proves that there is a “huge appetite for their combination of quality products and a socially-conscious business model. We’re proud to support this innovative young brand with a robust digital platform as they enter a new stage of growth and evolution.”

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Rynoskin review

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Editor’s note:  Snowgrrl has been lucky to engage reviewers who are passionate about testing outdoor products and writing comprehensive reviews.  However, that is not always the case.  In this instance, most of the content about Rynoskin comes from the manufacturer.

About Rynoskin Total Insect Protection Clothing

Snowgrrl has tried other mosquito-repellent products such as the Para-kito wrist band, which offers an easy and natural solution.  Coated apparel is another option, which we were excited to hear about and test.  Rynoskin was designed to be worn as a base layer beneath clothing to provide protection from insects.  This provides the wearer with comfort, breathability, stealth movement and eliminates snags against brush.  The insect protection clothing stretches to fit different body sizes.

Initial reaction & testing location

I wore the Rynoskin insect protection long sleeve shirt first on my patio in Denver and I noticed that the bugs were not biting me like crazy.  Normally, I rely on Deet and citronella candles surrounding me to protect me from insects.  I wore the shirt for the second time in the mountains – Beaver Creek, Colorado.  Walking and hiking with the long sleeve shirt under my jacket proved easy and comfortable.

Technical specifications

Unlike over-garment type insect protection suits, Rynoskin Total is ultra-lightweight body-forming, cool, and comfortable.  Rynoskin has aimed to eliminate the hot, noisy apparel outdoor enthusiasts have become accustomed to when pursuing activities like hunting or fishing in swampy, moist areas rife with mosquitos.  and snag against the brush Rynoskin Total is chemical free. It is completely safe to use and it’s effectiveness does not wash out over time. The suit protects its wearer through the weave of the fabric.  The form fitting elastic cuffs create a barrier against biting insects. This body suit is so comfortable that the wearer will forget that they’re wearing it.  The manufacturer also promises:

  • 98% bite resistance against Mosquitoes when worn as a base layer
  • Extremely effective against TICKS, CHIGGERS, BITING FLIES, ANTS, etc…
  • Sizes available for small children starting at 2X small to Large adults up to 4XL
  • 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

Performance/Room for improvement

The Rynoskin shirt is very comfortable and light.  My only problem was that it is totally transparent, so I would not be able to wear it by itself.

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Breckenridge hosts early season concert

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As you probably know by now, A-Basin and Loveland are already open for skiing.  An early October storm blessed the mountains with a good base.  Let’s hope this winter brings more and better snow than last year!  Another exciting ski season begins in Breckenridge on November 9, 2018 when that resort opens for the 2018/19 season.  Every new season brings new opportunities, whether for perfecting skills on the hill or finding that perfect ski bum or girl.  Breckenridge town and resort offer a few fun ways to kick of the winter sports season.

First, while supplies last, Breckenridge Ski Resort will hand out FREE commemorative coffee mugs and will buy you a free cup of coffee to get you and the town ready for ski season.  This “Wake up Breck” effort is the resort’s way of giving early thanks to the community for hospitality to guests all season long.

Next, an all new event at Breck sponsored by Mtn Dew, on mountain activations and a new concert add some winter energy with a full day of contagious fun.  On November 17, 2018, Olympians Red Gerard and Julia Marino will be on the mountain to meet and greet guests.  Fun fact:  snowboarder Red Gerard his own trick park at his house in Silverthorne!  A concert featuring Gramatik and other artists will dazzle the town later that night, live from the South Gondola Lot.  (Another fun fact:  Denis Jašarević, known by his stage name Gramatik, is originally from Portorož, Slovenia.) Guests will also be able to catch a new full length documentary, Above Treeline.

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Hanagal shoe review

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This review of Hanagal shoes, moderately ($60-70) priced hiking shoes, comes from a professor in England, who tried the relatively inexpensive hiking shoes in a few places.

Initial reaction

I received three pairs of Hanagal shoes: one a Grey suede 9.5 US/8.5 UK and the others Orange mesh 10 USm and 10.5 USw.  The sizing seemed a bit on the small side, as I could not wear the grey shoes, but could see they were of very high quality construction. The orange shoes were perhaps less-well constructed, but they fit beautifully.  I was able to wear the 10.5 US women, which is my normal shoe size. I felt the shoes hugged our feet, with a soft tongue fitting comfortably over the boney parts.  Initially I was a little suspicious of the goodness-of-fit because not all shoes that fit so well are comfortable once broken in.

Where were they tested?

I walked around in the Hanagal shoes in urban environments.  For instance, I wore the Hanagal boots at the UNESCO World Heritage site in Pingyao China.  I also tried them out on suburban trails (Brockwell Park, London),

Technical Specifications

Hanagal touts numerous features of these shoes:

  • VIBRAM MEGAGRIP SOLE – High performance rubber compound featuring unparalleled grip on wet and dry surfaces
  • LIGHTWEIGHT – Only 10 ounces
  • BREATHABLE and STABILIZING – Mesh upper encourages airflow that keeps your foot cool, and the TPU overlays help the upper hold your foot in place when you’re ascending or descending quickly.
  • DETAILS – Protective toe bumper in the front, reflective Hanagal logo in the back, free visor with the shoes!
  • HIGH QUALITY and 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GUARANTEE – Hanagal’s mission is to bring the best technical shoes to explore nature in. 

How did they perform?

These Hanagal shoes hey held up nicely during my tests.  I have Köhler disease (navicular necrosis with bone spurs) in my right foot from tight ski boots in childhood.  Because of this, often my upper foot and ankle will ache after a day’s walking more than 10,000 steps.  With Hanagal shoes, I didn’t have any foot pain at the end of the day.  Also my right leg has a touch of jumper’s knee (misalignment of the patella) from jogging in urban environments.  Somewhat to my surprise, I found it better to work out in these shoes in the gym (including the treadmill) than I did in my standard Nike running shoes, which fit less well in the heel.  Overall, the shoes impressed me.  I’m convinced that they’re a great option for weekend wear. For me they compare favourably with Keen shoes, which are my go-to brand.

Room for Improvement?

I wouldn’t use the Hanagal shoes for serious outdoor activity (hiking on very uneven ground, such as scree, or with a backpack).  I didn’t feel they were great for stability.  The manufacturer touts breathability heavily, but I don’t think they breathe as well as they should.   These shoes are good for a casual stroll or gym workout, but not much more intense activity than that.

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MINDBODY Denver event Sunday night 11/18/18!

Ample early season snow in Colorado

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Lots of Snow = Early Openings

Normally, ski resorts don’t open until right around Thanksgiving.  But, here in Colorado we have already been blessed with tremendous snowfall.  Accordingly, several resorts are already open, and a few more start running their lifts this week.  I enjoyed a great day at Breckenridge resort yesterday.   Also open are Keystone, A-Basin, and Loveland.  Tomorrow, Vail and Beaver Creek open.   Telluride follows on November 22.  Vail already boasts 4 feet of snow.  Breckenridge currently has a base of 30″.  My friend and I headed up yesterday to check it out.

A Cold Day at Breck

Large Veteran’s Day crowd at Breckenridge Resort

We enjoyed a cold but sunny Veteran’s Day on the hill.   Mondays are usually pretty quiet days to ski, but the holiday and great snow brought big crowds.  We waited about in lines that took about 10 minutes to reach the front when taking both the Colorado SuperChair and Rocky Mountain SuperChair.  Almost all of Peak 8 was open, with ample options for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiing.  As temps were in the single digits, I actually bundled up with more layers than I normally wear:  a Daehlie merino/mesh top and tights, a cute Krimson Klover half-zip, my new NILS jacket, and of course ample sunscreen (I’ve been using a blend of ThinkSport and Supergoop sunscreen), goggles, helmet, and face mask to protect my skin.   Other than the ten minutes I spent gloveless at the top of Colorado Superchair lift texting my friend trying to figure out where he was, I stayed pretty warm during the day.

With this much snow at the beginning of the season, I am optimistic that the snow will continue and skiing will be great this winter.  A pass, whether it’s a 4 pack or something more comprehensive, will almost always be the most economical way to hit the slopes.  You can still get an Epic Pass and others.

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Happy Group Skiing

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When the holidays roll around, a lot of friends and family groups roll up to the resorts.  Group skiing provides a great way for people to spend time together.  Shared group experiences lead to closeness, and studies have shown that adrenaline, like that which flows through your body as you peer down a snowy or icy steep slope, bonds people together.   So if your friends have passed the Ski Personality Test, consider taking it to the next level and gathering a small group for a ski outing.  Snowgrrl interviewed expert skier, athlete, Colorado Snowsports Museum Hall of Fame’r Chris Anthony to gather some tips on best practices for group skiing.

Group led by Chris Anthony conquers the Italian alps. Photo used with permission by Chris.

  1. Gather Information.

    Chris takes groups of skiers of varying abilities on adventures in cool destinations like Alaska and Italian Alps.  He needs to plan each day as it comes, starting with checking the grooming report first thing in the morning.   Having enough information about what’s open, what’s groomed, and what to avoid benefits everyone involved.

  2. Plan.

Chris says, “I try to design the flow of the day with meeting points along the way so that people can take variations to get to those places, if they want.”  He always starts the group out together in the morning, but then gives people the option to stay together or go their own way, knowing that they have a time and place to meet up.

* Happy Group Skiing Requires You to Plan Even More.

As I learned last week, you must have a very specific time and meeting place!  My friend wanted to meet up with his colleague during our abbreviated day at Breckenridge.   Unfortunately, his phone froze, and he had made only a vague plan with his friend to “meet at the top of SuperConnect.”  This led to a long wait and some mild confusion about where everyone was and whether we should do a run and go back up, or keep waiting.  I know we’re in the digital age.  But cell phones can’t always be relied on in cold weather!  So do everyone a favor and have an old-fashioned plan.  Also, try to make it specific enough so that people don’t, say, wander into 2 Elk and wait “by the window” (when the lodge has windows with panoramic views all around).

3. Divide and Conquer.

Sometimes, group skiing gets unwieldly, especially if you must wrangle a large group.  You may have to wait for lots of people to unload off of their chairs, make their way down the mountain and then start all over again.  It can be easier and more efficient to do a few runs with people around your same ability. Then, you can share stories later when you meet up with the group for hot chocolate or lunch.

4. Meet and Rehash

Apres ski stands out as the best part of the day, in my opinion!  Adventures don’t count unless they’re shared!  So you made a wrong turn and got stuck on a double black diamond with cliffs when you expected a groomed blue? (This happened to me).  You met Oprah on the chairlift?  Rehash the day over a hot beverage and the group skiing adventures will come back to life all over again!

Ski safe and enjoy!
xx snowgrrl

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Outdoor Tech Portable Power Bank review

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Initial reaction

Snowgrrl sometimes gets inundated with opportunities to review the latest and greatest products.  Outdoor Tech’s Portable Power Bank caught my attention because of the product’s usefulness.  When running around town or up on the mountain trying to capture the perfect shot/story, I depend on my phone.  I freak out when my battery life is less than 20%, so I thought a portable power charger would come in handy.  I felt excited about testing the product and writing an Outdoor Tech Portable Power Bank review.  The portable power product looks durable and compact.  It weighs about the same as my wallet – not feather light, but not as heavy as a brick, either.

Where was the portable power bank tested?

Yoga in the fresh air – City Park, Denver

I tested the durable, functional product in Denver’s City Park.  I was engaged by MindBody to create a series of photos capturing “wellness in Denver.”  For this project, I ran all over town, including to parks, Red Rocks, gyms and outdoor fitness classes.  I used the Kodiak Plus Ultra one night when I grabbed this shot of yoga at City Park.  I was happy with the photo, but spent some time after trying to get images of cyclists and soccer players as the sun was setting.  By the time I finished, it was dark and I needed a light to help me get back to my car.

Technical Specifications

  • The Kodiak Plus Ultra packs 12,800 mAh of rechargeable power
  • 100 lm of light
  • Dimensions (Overall): 7.56 inches (L) x 5.12 inches (W) x 1.57 inches (D)
  • Volts: 5 Volts 
  • Battery Capacity: 12800 (mAh) 
  • Rechargeable: Yes

How did it perform?

The Kodiak Plus Ultra lit a bright path for me to follow.  I charged it up at home several weeks before testing it.  I was also very happy that the product did not discharge and still had a lot of juice to both power my phone and light my way back to my car.  I decided that I will keep this in my car for emergencies.

Room for Improvement?

Everyone always wants technology to come in a smaller, lighter package and this power bank is no different.  It is totally functional in current form, but would be even more portable in a smaller, more lightweight format.

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